Cash ban in barbershops: fight against money laundering or discrimination?

Cash ban in barbershops: fight against money laundering or discrimination?

In Switzerland, a planned ban on cash in certain industries ensures heated discussions. In particular, barbershops, snacks and shisha bars are the focus of the authorities, since it is assumed that increasing money is operated here. This discussion was initiated by the center of national council Martin Candinas, which calls for a temporary ban on cash in the affected sectors to improve control over financial transactions. According to Exxpress.at, the suspected reports at the registration office for money laundering (MROS) rose by 27.5 percent in 2024, which underlines the urgency of the measures.

The concerns about money laundering have grown in recent years because criminal gangs are increasingly disguising financial transactions about industries with low access hurdles. These structures are often easy to disguise, for example due to incorrect sales information from banks, according to money laundering expert Fabian Teichmann. He notes that a flat -rate cash ban would do little, since perpetrators may simply switch to other industries or adapt their business strategies. Industry representatives are critical of the proposal: Sandra Bossi von Coiffure Suisse describes the idea as discriminatory and unrealistic. The gastronomy also advocates such a ban, since many older guests only pay in cash, which would significantly disadvantage this customer group, such as 20min.ch.

reactions of the authorities and associations

The Federal Council has examined Candinas concerns, but rejects the ban on cash. This is justified with constitutional concerns. Such a ban could violate economic freedom and is also easy to avoid. Instead, the Federal Council is planning to present a national strategy to combat organized crime by the end of 2025, which should also include measures against money laundering.

money laundering prevention has a high priority, especially in the financial sector. Bafin, responsible for money laundering and terrorist financing in Germany, observes similar developments as in Switzerland. Prevention and persecution are crucial in the fight against money laundering and organized crime, as BaFin explains in its report. In addition, the EU has recently passed a legislative package to strengthen money laundering control, which includes the creation of a European money laundering supervisory authority (AMLA) from 2025, which will take over the direct supervision of selected financial institutions by 2027, as on bafin.de can be read.

Overall, the topic of money laundering remains a explosive and complex field that requires both local and nationwide strategies. It is clear that measures are necessary to combat money laundering, but they have to be carefully planned so as not to endanger the lawful business interests.